“The self is just our operation center, our consciousness, our moral compass. So, if we want to act more effectively in the world, we have to get to know ourselves better.” Gary Wolf

Motivation Mondays: MORAL COMPASS

Make Your Bed… University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address – Admiral William H. McRaven

Your inner knowing is your only true compass. Joy Page
Definition moral compass: a natural feeling that makes people know what is right and wrong and how they should behave: Cambridge U Dictionary
Truth lies within a little and certain compass, but error is immense. Henry St. John
Set your compass to beauty, humor, and grief; stay the course no matter what, and I’ll support you with everything I’ve got. Chris Jordan
It’s the community that helps form our moral compass. It’s those attitudes that I’ve remembered through my entire lifetime. John Morgridge

A Compass is an instrument that guides travelers; especially sailors on the sea/road. A Moral Compass is also an attitude we adopt towards life and the events that shape our lives. We gauge our reactions and actions on a moral footing that informs our choices. We all need that gauge and we all have our own that we follow and our compass adds to our life’s blueprints and karmic record. Whether we choose the path of positive or negative action, we accumulate a body of works that help us contribute to the world we inhabit. What does your compass say about you? Our moral compass is shaped by our environment, our choices and the life lessons we embrace as we travel the path we call life. We often say that to change the world, we need to change ourselves first.

Admiral McRaven’s 10 lessons that he learned as a Navy Seal trainee are examples of a compass of life lessons that can guide us throughout the journey: 1. Make your bed. 2. Find people to paddle with you. 3. Measure the size of heart, not flippers. 4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. 5. Don’t be afraid of the circuses. 6. Sometimes you have to slide down obstacles head first. 7. Don’t back down from the sharks. 8. You must be your very best in the darkest moments. 9. Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud. Hope for everyone. 10. Don’t ever, ever ring the bell. Our moral compass is developed over time and as we master certain behavior patterns, both good and bad, a pattern develops that becomes our brand… our face to the world. How are you shaping yours?

“On the ocean of life let your mind be the ship and your heart be the compass.” James David Manning

Motivation Mondays: MORAL COMPASS

Conscience is a man’s compass. Vincent Van Gogh
What comes first, the compass or the clock? Before one can truly manage time (the clock), it is important to know where you are going, what your priorities and goals are, in which direction you are headed (the compass). Dennis Merritt Jones
It is necessary to keep one’s compass in one’s eyes and not in the hand, for the hands execute, but the eye judges. Michelangelo
If one has no compass, when one doesn’t know where one stands and where one wants to go, one can deduce that one has no leadership or interest in shaping events. Helmut Kohl
Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter. Brad Henry

How are you shaping your compass on your life journey? If we want to be honest, some of us might admit that it’s a bumpy road with pitfalls and perspective shifters. If we spend our time worrying about everything that crosses our path, then we create more to keep us on edge. In a recent article I read by author/blogger, Mark Manson, he says we spend way too much time traveling on someone else’s compass vis a vis living the expectations we assume others have of us. To take charge of life, we must take charge of our stuff and understand the three 3 Ideas That Can Change Your Life 2017. To paraphrase what he said in several pages, 1. Don’t take stuff personally: it’s not about you. 2. Your assumptions are wrong: Shift your perspective. 3. Take a chance on life: Be present and spontaneous… Live.Live your own life not vicariously through someone else’s.

Think about those mornings in traffic when the guy cuts you off as he rushes to catch a train… It’s not about you. Think about that fellow blogger who didn’t respond to your specific comment on a post…. your comment was valid he/she turned to respond to a wailing child and forgot to come back or simply moved forward. Remember that event you wanted to go to? Remember the compliment you withheld from another creative? Take a chance and just do it. Spontaneity is the very essence of a life lived well. If you plan every single move, you close the door to amazing miracles and opportunities that might come your way… live larger than your myopic perspective of “shoulds.”
Come back for more!

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for NOV/DEC 2017 are:

I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own. Michelle Obama
Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering. Saint Augustine
Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also. Marcus Aurelius

What are some other ways we can make an impact on our life compass? Instead of constantly worrying about appearances, lift yourself up and get on with living your life… Honestly, a lot of people don’t care beyond how your decisions impact them directly…. yep, let’s just be honest about that. So Oprah offers 10 life Lessons that can help shape our moral compass and get us back on track to a life we are proud of. 1. Set boundaries 2. Create the life you want 3. Turn your wounds into wisdom 4. Live your life to the fullest 5. Demand respect 6. You Become What you #Believe 7. Touch lives every day 8. Own your life 9. Live a truthful life 10. Say “Thank You!” BONUS: Yes, as is typical of Oprah, give more than is expected but do so because you want to, NOT because you have an ulterior motive that will piss you off when nobody responds. Therefore –>
* Become the best version of yourself
* Connect with people
* Keep a grateful journal

“Sometimes, in order to follow our moral compass and/or our hearts, we have to make unpopular decisions or stand up for what we believe in.” Tabatha Coffey

Motivation Mondays: MORAL COMPASS

Kids who evolve into creative adults tend to have a strong moral compass. Adam Grant
If people use common sense and their own guiding moral compass, I think they’ll generally stay out of trouble. Steve Chabot
My relationship with God is what gives me a moral compass on what decisions to make and that stuff. I’m thankful that I have the people around me that I do, and they remind me each day of who I am and what I stand for. Alyson Stoner
You have to learn how to listen to your emotions, letting your internal compass guide you. Your emotions let you know when you are on and off track. Jillian Michaels

What else would you add to this conversation? If you had to redirect your compass in a new way, where would yours head? What would it look lie? Who would be invited on your journey? Life is not only about the wins, it is also about the failures, the lessons, and those special moments that touch our lives… Make a difference because you must not because you want some insider applause. Life and its many wisdom teachings are far greater than the glittery things we are often drawn to. Go do good for the sake of it. Happy Holiday Season to you and yours!

This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: – COMPASS – This week, write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. Not sure how to participate? Stay tuned

Have a peaceful and productive week ahead!

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Positive Motivation Tip: Point your compass to the high road and follow it diligently

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)comCategory tag: – Share your post using Motivation MondaysTwitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnMDedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-upFacebook Page:MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)Tag: – Motivation MondaysHashtag: – #MotvnM

I loved reading those lessons by Admiral McRaven that you shared and that of Oprah as well. Our moral compass is definitely affected by the way we view life and I think it’s important that we evaluate that and see if it’s going to be for the better.

I sometimes wonder if some people even know where to find their moral compass, either that or it’s faulty 😉 But on a serious note, you’ve made some very valid points. If we don’t know our true selves we will never be able to stand strong for all the things we believe in. And knowing yourself take a lot of work and introspection. I’m trying but I still have a long way to go

Your posts always make me think deeper about how I am living my life, and if there is room for improvement. Which there always is, of course! This message rings loud to me as I am going through a transition in friendship circles. As my husband and I grow in our careers and life stage, we are finding that maybe those who we hang out aren’t on the same page and therefore can bring our goals and aspirations down. It’s also important to keep mind of who you’re surrounding yourself with, as you become the sum of those who you spend the most time with.

I have a friend that was in the Marine’s. He likes to quote some of the things McRaven said. I didn’t realize it was from a book or from the Navy Seals. I do believe we all need a compass in life to show us where we are heading. I just try to logically deduce what’s the best for all concerned in a situation.

So many great points in this post. I often have to remind myself of this one in my business “Don’t take stuff personally: it’s not about you” – I have a tendency to assume I did something wrong which led to a reaction, but usually it had nothing to do with me at all.

We recently taught this at my small group. The moral is very powerful and should be taught often. We tell our children to let their moral compass lead them. We teach them to be the best version of themselves. I am sharing with my church small group, it great to have different points of view.

One thing I try to do is put things into perspective… sometimes issues seem more important than they really are in the grand scale of life. Once I scan my thoughts through that lens, I’m able to develop a better moral compass on how to feel about it.

I believe we tweak our inner compass every day. It’s never set once and for all. But in order for it to work well we need to have people around. Good people that we appreciate and who also see and appreciate us.

LOVE the quote at the beginning of the article. “effectively in the world, we have to get to know ourselves better.” I feel like this applies to me, and i didn’t start living effectively or getting to really know myself until i became a stepmother and mother.

My moral compass was once daring and flighty, now it is mild and mellow, almost to mellow. I have four grown children and they all have good moral compasses some more than the others. Not troublemakers or rude, very respectful.

Ooooh I so needed to read this today. I’ve been struggling lately with where I am in my life and where I’m headed. It’s tough having so many choices in front of you, because I fear making the wrong choice! I need to reevaluate my life compass…

My moral compass isn’t something i had really though about. When I do something, I always make sure I don’t do thing that i would not other to do to me. So that compass is basedo on empathy as far as i am concerned

It’s funny how most of these quotes make allusion to inner self and the self qualities. When I think of moral compass I think of society. I suppose morality is a cultural thing that we learn from society, school, religion, family. If people would only care about themselves to be guided in life, the whole world would be a jungle. I suppose, exactly like the compass has no purpose or will by itself without an actual North out there guiding its needle, we can’t find good or bad moral without others.

I love this post … as someone who let’s her conscious guide her action – this post speaks directly to me … with your heart and mind is clean and you take all the negativity out … your moral compass guides you to make the right decisions. Or so is what I believe!

I’d like to think that my moral compasses is in perfect alignment, but I know that it needs some adjustment. I know I need to set boundaries not just for myself but for others as well, I also need to work on finding an inner sanctuary which I think will come along once I can align my compass.

Don’t take stuff personally: it’s not about you… I think this is one of my biggest problem. I think this post is an awesome post about shaping our moral compass and great timing too. It is during these times that we normally reflect and prepare for the new year.

I love the term of moral compass, I think some do and do not believe in the idea. I have always followed a straight and narrow path on my moral compass. If something doesn’t fit on it I don’t do it. Simple as that, but this is some great information on it!

I guess it’s not something i ever really think about but if i was then something I’ve always lived by is to just do the right thing. Big or small, making the least selfish most honest decision is always at the forefront of my mind when deciding what to do and what direction to take.

A lot of great information here. I have said it before, but I like the way you visually communicate your emotions. Great tips on overcoming assumptions too. I definitely struggle with allowing my assumptions about people’s perceptions of me get the best of me.

Great advice and very insightful as always. I am horribly gulty at taking things personally, to the point I let it upset me or causes me to miss sleep. Your posts are always so encouraging and a joy to read! <3

I watched the video of the speech given by Admiral McRaven a few months ago and listening to it again gives me goosebumps. It is a good reminder that the little things in life matter and that you can change the world by starting with the smallest actions.

My road has definitely been bumpy. The thing thing that is tricky about this subject is who decides what is actually moral. I feel like most of us know “the right things to do” but the end of the day your compass can be totally different than some one else’s, which can be beautiful too!

I truly appreciate your 3 ideas for helping internal compass in 2017, especially to be present and spontaneous. Basically to create margin and make room for the unexpected, because life is about the interruptions and not the planned stuff. Touching lives everyday – yes. We all touch someone’s life whether we know it or not; it’s diligent work to be aware of it daily, but that is what matters.

I agree with you that life is about failures and learning from them. Moral is something that we get at home we learn from our parents. Having moral is very important to have a good life without regrets

Love the part about instead of constantly worrying about appearances, lift yourself up and get on with living your life. Its easy to get caught up in your own self and what other people think, when it shouldnt really matter.

I always feel so connected with your article whenever I read them..The motivational talks from your writing helps me to rejuvenate my thinking and morals .. And today the idea of that moral compass too has moved me.. thank you for sharing such wise thoughts.

There is so much to learn from this post. Not taking things personally can make life a lot easier. It is important to take charge of our lives and take chances. Someone wise once said that in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take

This is an informative and thoughtful post. I’ve been thinking alot about my own path during all of 2017. I spend alot of time doing for others and making them happy, but neglecting myself along the way. This post aligns well with my goals for 2018.

I agree with you that life is not about the wins but failure as well. I learned to not beat myself up for things I couldn’t do or control. I really like the quote by Oprah. So inspiring!
Happy holiday to you too, Elizabeth!

When i read this I remembered the words of President Obama: I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own. And this words are so true.

A moral compass has a lot of symbolism and meaning. Some people establish what direction they want to take and pursue, others may take longer to get there. We all have different paths and journeys we will seek and pursue and that is one of the many things that makes the world wonderful.

“Instead of constantly worrying about appearances, lift yourself up and get on with living your life… Honestly, a lot of people don’t care beyond how your decisions impact them directly” This right here has definitely hit home for me! Now I’m kind of doing some self reflecting here, but in 2017 my goal was to just live in my truth and do what makes me happy! As long as i’m walking away knowing I’m a good person and I never compromise my self worth and morals, then I did something right!

I love the quotes in this post. The best one that resonates well with me is the quote by James Manning, “On the ocean of life let your mind be the ship and your heart be the compass.” That is so true. As rational beings, our actions are guided by what we feel is morally right.

I totally know what you mean….I try my very best to use my moral compass in every situation and try not to rush decisions or reactions, I know very well what it is good and wrong in theory but there are situations in real life where I am not just able to follow it. Like for example, people hurt others or myself …. I still have a long way to go to learn how to be the best version of myself….

I love the three tips you mentioned.. especially the tip about shifting your perspective because your assumptions are wrong. It’s easy to get caught up in what we think is happening because of our own experiences. And, living life on your own, not vicariously through others. In our heavily reliant social media lives, it’s so easy to think we have to live someone else’s life because it looks exciting, glamorous, etc. Life is what YOU make it.

I have always been steadfast in my beliefs, which believe me, has gotten me into trouble a few times in the past. My heart, my conscience is my driving force and as long as I know that I am attuned to the laws of God and of nature, I will follow what my mind and heart dictates. Thank you for another wonderful post, Elizabeth.

It’s true that our moral compass is shaped by those we spend time with. This concerns me a lot with our boys. I want them to choose friends who will be good for their moral compass, not test it. Adolescence is so hard. By the time we learn our mistakes it can really take a toll on us.

Life is indeed not about wins, it is about the lessons, failures, and experiences that make us a better person, like a better version of us. Living our own life in our own way, taking charge of our life makes a lot of difference towards a fulfilled life instead of just living the life. Your posts always open a new thought process in my mind, keep motivating.

Admiral McRaven’s speech gave me goosebumps when I first heard it and his 10 lessons that he learned as a Navy Seal trainee should be prescribed reading / listening for anyone starting out on a new road in life. My moral compass is informed firstly by what I was taught by my parents… respect for oneself and others, remembering that actions have consequences and loving for others what I love for myself.

I believe in everything you wrote in this post. What motivates us to move forward and to act appropriately to every situation? It is our conscience, our moral compass. We must learn to listen to it and with the grace of God, we are going to achieve that goal we set for oursaleves

I heard a podcast several years ago where the person was talking about having a moral compass. He was a pastor and emphasized how a person’s moral compass determines their success or failure in life. It is important to have one so that it guides you to make the right decisions regardless of what the crowd is doing.

Oh this post has come at the perfect time! My husband and I have been talking about instilling morals into our kids lives and how we can make sure they are understanding and holding onto those morals.I think as we get older, we start to feel a conviction when addressed with a moral dilemma.